SENATOR LAVALLE LEADS FIGHT TO COMBAT DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Senator Kenneth P. LaValle today joined members of the Senate Republican Conference to introduce the Domestic Violence Act of 2010, which would, for the first time ever, create the specific crime of domestic violence within the state penal law.The measure would also increase penalties for most serious and repeat offenders, utilize GPS technology to better enforce orders of protection, require mandatory arrests, and improve enforcement of child support orders.

"Domestic violence is a serious problem and should be punished in a criminal manner.I have been a strong advocate for the protection of victims of abusive relationships and am pleased to join my colleagues in support of the Domestic Violence Act of 2010,” said Senator LaValle.“Victims of domestic violence need to know they are not alone and that we are serious about protecting their rights.Over the years, I have worked to secure state funding to help our local support groups, the Victims Information Bureau of Suffolk (VIBS) and the Retreat of East Hampton, in their mission to provide protections for victims of domestic abuse.It is my hope that the Democrats will recognize the gravity of this matter, and join us in having this comprehensive plan enacted into law as soon as possible.”

Currently, the perpetrator of a domestic violence crime only faces a harassment, menacing, or third degree assault charge.Under the Domestic Violence Act of 2010, the crimes of Domestic Abuse in the first, second, and third degrees would be created to provide law enforcement with better resources to combat domestic violence and abuse.